So what: This is welcome news for drillers waiting for clarification on the ban. The news comes a month earlier than expected and has given drilling sector shares a boost.

Now what: Permitting may still take some time, but this is no doubt positive news for drilling companies. With the fog of regulation becoming clearer, it may be time to jump back into the drilling space. With Hercules down 50% in the past year, this could be just the news the company needs to get its stock back on track.

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